Reduce your risk: Colon cancer screening and early detection

It’s March, and that means you can look forward to the beginning of spring, St. Patrick’s Day and the start of daylight saving time. (And who isn’t ready for an extra hour of sunlight each day?) It’s also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the ideal time to learn more about colon cancer screening and the importance of early detection.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death in Louisiana. The good news is, it’s also preventable and treatable when detected early through regular screenings.

How important is early detection of colon cancer?

Colon cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, so it’s important to get regular screenings beginning at age 45, or sooner if you have a higher risk, such as a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.

Most colorectal cancers develop slowly over several years. Before cancer develops, a growth of tissue or tumor usually begins as a noncancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some of these polyps have the potential to become cancerous. Screening tests can help find precancerous polyps early, so they can be removed before turning into cancer.

Types of screening tests include stool tests and visual exams:

• Fecal occult blood test, which looks for hidden blood in fecal samples
• Stool DNA tests that check for changes to cells found in the stool
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which the sigmoid colon and rectum are examined
• Colonoscopy, in which the entire colon and rectum are examined and suspicion polyps are removed and tested
• Virtual colonoscopy that examines the entire colon and rectum using low-dose CT scans

The best test for you depends on your age, current health, medical history, family history and personal preferences. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits of each screening test to determine which test is right for you, and how often to be tested.

Develop healthy habits to reduce your risk

The best way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is to get regular screenings. If you’re concerned about getting colon cancer, here are a few risk factors to be mindful of:

• Your age
• Family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps
• Having an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Lifestyle factors, such as lack of regular physical activity, a low-fiber high-fat diet, tobacco use, obesity and alcohol consumption

While you may not have control over your age or family history, you can take preventive action with positive lifestyle factors, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use.

Speak with your doctor about colon cancer risk factors to find out when and how often to get screened, and which test is right for you.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Remember, colon cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. That’s why early screening and detection is so important.

At West Jefferson Medical Center, patients receiving a colonoscopy can have an enhanced screening with the GI Genius module, the first and only artificial intelligence (AI) system to detect polyps in real time. Serving as a second observer, GI Genius points out concerning lesions for the gastroenterologist to review with a 99.7% sensitivity. Studies show that using AI in colonoscopies can increase the detection rate of suspicious polyps, which could mean reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Here are some symptoms to be on the lookout for:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal aches, pains or cramps
• Blood in your stool
• A change in your bowel habits
• Diarrhea or constipation

How often you should get screened for colorectal cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening beginning at age 45 for those with average risk, and continued screening through the age of 75. You’re considered in the average risk category if you don’t have a personal or family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, an inherited syndrome like Lynch syndrome or a history of getting radiation to the belly or pelvis.

If you’re 76 through 85, talk to your doctor about screening. The decision to continue screening will be based on your health, life expectancy and preferences.

With proper prevention and regular screening, you can lower your risk of colon cancer and celebrate good health for a long time to come. At West Jefferson Medical Center, we’re here for you when you’re ready to take the next step.

Call 504.349.6763 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our cancer care at West Jefferson Medical Center. You can count on us to support you through your journey.